Battery-Free Mobile Lock With NFC Power and Cam Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile locks that rely on batteries or accumulators for energy face the issue of becoming inoperable when discharged, necessitating frequent recharging or replacement, and lack wireless control options.
Innovation Solution
A mobile lock design featuring a locking unit with a spring element and a cam disk mechanism, powered electromagnetically, allowing wireless control and operation without external charging connections, utilizing electromagnetic energy conversion for motor operation and mechanical locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a battery or accumulator is used to supply electrical energy to the lock, then the lock can operate wirelessly and be controlled via mobile device, but the lock becomes inoperable when the battery is completely discharged, requiring frequent recharging or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system performs self-charging by harvesting kinetic energy from the user's natural locking actions. The piezoelectric generator converts mechanical energy from pressing the locking element into electrical energy, automatically recharging the capacitor without external intervention or battery replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional battery-based electrical energy storage with a piezoelectric energy harvesting system. The mechanical pressing action on the locking element directly generates electrical energy through the piezoelectric effect, eliminating the need for chemical batteries and their associated maintenance issues
2Extent of automation
If traditional mechanical locking systems are used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but wireless control and remote operation capabilities cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges traditional mechanical locking components with piezoelectric energy harvesting and electronic control systems into a unified integrated structure. The locking element serves dual purposes: as a mechanical locking component and as a trigger for energy generation, while the capacitor and piezoelectric generator are integrated within the housing
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the primary mechanical locking component, triggers the piezoelectric energy generation, and provides structural support for the electronic components. The housing contains both mechanical and electrical systems, creating a multi-functional integrated device
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables continuous operation without battery replacement or recharging, ensuring reliable locking and unlocking via wireless control, enhancing user convenience and security.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric generator (7) arranged to be actuated by pressing of the locking element (10) and a capacitor (8) for storing electrical energy generated by the piezoelectric generator (7)
Implementation Method 2
an electric motor (5), a computing unit (6) for controlling the electric motor (5), and a cam disk (9) rotatably connected to the electric motor (5)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a mobile lock for securing a mobile object, wherein the lock can be controlled wirelessly by a mobile device, wherein the lock has a base body and a connecting body which can be locked to the base body. The base body includes the following: a housing; an electric motor; a computing unit for controlling the electric motor, the computing unit being set up to control the electric motor as a function of a signal received by a mobile device; an energy conversion unit for converting electromagnetic energy which can be transmitted via a mobile device, in particular electromagnetic energy which can be transmitted via NFC technology or QI technology, into an electrical voltage for supplying the electric motor and the computing unit; and a mechanical locking system having a locking unit displaceable in relation to the housing and at least one locking element coupled thereto.